I-Hos-K'hin

Serigraph

Edition 150

Released October 1997

SOLD OUT

“I-Hos-K’hin” is based on a Comox legend favoured by my grandfather. It involves the story of two brothers who journeyed far away from home following the Great Flood. One day on the journey, the younger of the two siblings announced that they should carve a canoe. Surprised, the older brother agreed and they started to work immediately, felling and hollowing out a large cedar tree. Working hard and fast, the vessel started to take shape. However, before the canoe was finished or paddles made, the younger brother quickly painted the design of the double-headed serpent, I-Hos, on both sides of the craft and then instructed his brother to sit in the front of the canoe and not, under any circumstances, look back. Perplexed, the older one reluctantly agreed. When the canoe, or I-Hos-K’hin as it was named, was in the water the younger brother sat in the stern and called on his supernatural powers. He began to sing a sacred song while slapping the side of the canoe. Magically, I-Hos-K’hin responded and swiftly moved forward, bringing the two brothers home. According to my grandfather, this story explains that the right to tell Comox legends falls with the youngest son of each family.

This print was inspired by my participation aboard a new Comox canoe named I-Hos during the summer of 1997 when we paddled from Comox to Victoria for the opening of the North American Indigenous Games. As it is said that many Comox songs were about the beauty of the land, it was important for me to show I-Hos-K’hin surrounded by the stars, the moon and our glacier “Queneesh” that make Comox my home.

“I-Hos-K’hin” is a limited edition print using the silk-screening method of print-making. Print production took place during October 1997 at Seacoast Screenprinting of Victoria B.C. The artist was involved throughout the process, inspecting stencils and artwork prior to and during print production and ensuring that all such stencils had been subsequently destroyed. Paper size measures 22x30 inches. Image size measures 19x26 inches. A total of 173 prints bear the title “I-Hos-K’hin” and are signed by Andy Everson:150 in the primary edition bearing the numbers 1/150 through 150/150; 15 Artist’s Proofs; 6 Remarques; and 2 Printer’s Proofs. Five colours were used during printing: light grey, medium grey, red, blue, and black.